What is Acupuncture?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, good health is based on balancing the flow of Qi (life energy) in the body. Qi regulates spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical balance. When the energy in the body is balanced, the natural flow of Qi helps the body achieve and maintain health. 

Acupuncture is a therapeutic intervention in which a single needle or several needles are inserted into specific locations on the body (acupuncture points). Acupuncture is used to release areas in the body where energy is blocked or stagnant and restore the normal flow of energy returning health to the body.  Restoration of the normal flow of Qi provides a state of physiological balance and restores homeostasis.

Qi Sensation - Typically, a patient typically feels the Qi sensation locally around the needle site and then in the adjacent area.  Most patients do not find the Qi sensation to be painful or unpleasant, just unusual.  The Qi sensation has been described as a dull, heavy, aching, or mildly electrical sensation that spreads in wave-like patterns. 

By classic definition, acupuncture is used to calm the "Shen"--the spirituality or the psychological balance.  

What symptoms can acupuncture treat?

Acupuncture can be used to treat:

  • Psychological or emotional related symptoms:  Anxiety, irritation, insomnia, depression, ADD, PTSD etc..
  • Physiological related symptoms:  Headaches, migraines, indigestion, constipation,  menstrual pain, menopause, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, osteoarthrtis, low back pain, common cold, asthma, post-operative or chemotherapy nausea or vomiting etc..

Acupuncture as Adjunct Therapy

Acupuncture is also used as an adjunct therapy in combination with traditional western medicine. Many patients have used acupuncture treatment while also undergoing:

  • Sport injury rehabilitation
  • Post-surgery rehabilitation
  • Cancer or chemotherapy treatment 

Acupuncture related external treatment modalities

  • Ba-Guan (Cupping)-- Application of a suction glass jar onto the surface of the body to draw out pathogenic factors or to invigorate the flow of Qi. Cupping is used to promote blood circulation and to relieve muscular-skeletal fatigue and pain.
  • Gua Sha (Scrapping)--Dermal friction therapy using a blunt edged instrument (scraper) and herbal ointment. An area of the body is  "scraped" vigorously to stimulate blood flow and remove blockages within the muscle layers.
  • Ai-Jiu (Moxibution)--Application of moxa (a therapeutic herb) directly or indirectly to certain areas of the body creates a deep warming sensation used to dispel cold, decrease pain and increase circulation.  Common uses include prevention and treatment of colds, relief of painful menstrual cramps and to enhance sexual vitality.
  • Fang-Xue (Blood-letting)--Application of specific types of acupuncture needles to remove the stagnant blood within the blood vessels (or within the muscle layers due to sport or traumatic injuries.
  • Tui-Na (Myofascial massage and adjustment)--A Chinese form of bodywork most often used to treat acute and chronic forms of pain especially those related to musculoskeletal conditions. Tui Na reduces myofascial tension, alleviates painful and stiffness  and improves local circulation. Although commonly used for muscle related condition and injuries, tui na is also  used for 

If any of the above external treatment modalities are recommended by Dr. Chin in the treatment of your condiiton, the treatment modalities are included in your acupuncture treatment at no additional cost.  Send Dr. Chin an email or call or to leave a voice message if you have any other concern.